Lesson #28—Christ’s Exaltation

Shorter Catechism Q & A # 28

Q. Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation?

A. Christ’s exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.

Memorize Q & A—Exposition

Christ’s exaltation is a demonstration of his victory over sin and death. Over sin because he purchased a people by his own blood (Acts 20:28); over death, physical and spiritual, that we might have the assurance of life eternal (John 10:28).

What does it mean?

Discuss the meaning of Christ’s exaltation as seen in:

• his being raised from the dead (1 Cor. 15:4, Eph. 1:20)
• his being at the right hand of God (Mark 14:61-62, 16:19; Ps. 110:1, Acts 7:55-56)
• his coming to judge at the last day (John 5:22, Rom. 14:10, Heb. 9:27–28). [Right hand = chosen, full participation in. Judge, Judgment = judicial decision, pass sentence.]

What is our practice?

1. Look to the Holy Spirit and grow in faith through God’s Word [John 16:7, 13–14].
2. Seek those things which will be a blessing to you and others.
3. Be strong in the faith, in the face of persecution, etc. in the knowledge of the victory and reign of Christ the King.

Quotes for thought and discussion:

“Did Christ rise as a public person? Yes: for since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead, 1 Cor. 15:21. Are true believers raised with him to a spiritual life? Yes: he hath quickened us together with Christ, Eph. 2:5. And shall they be shortly raised to eternal life? Yes: Christ the first-fruits, afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming, 1 Cor. 15:23. Is the resurrection of Christ one of the great foundations of Christianity? Yes: if Christ be not risen, our faith is vain, ver. 14.” (Matthew Henry)

“Let us exalt Christ in our hearts; believe, adore and love him. We cannot lift him up higher in heaven, but we may in our hearts. Let us exalt him in our lips; let us praise him. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost, our tongues must be the organs in these temples. By praising and commending Christ, we exalt him in the in the esteem of others. Let us exalt him in our lives, by living holy lives. … [This is true religion, when men strive to live blameless lives]. Not all the doxologies and prayers in the world so exalt Christ as a holy life. It makes Christ renowned, and lifts him up indeed, when his followers walk worthy of him.” … “Truth is the most orient pearl in Christ’s crown. Let us contend for the truth, as one would for a large sum of money, that it should not be wrested out of his hand. Christ takes it to be exalting him when we exalt his truths, wherein his glory is concerned.” (Thomas Watson)

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